In Short: Normcore Coffee Roasters is all about a focus on the essentials of great coffee. These guys are serious in their aim to give their customers the best coffee experience in every cup. An outstanding array of specialty coffee and quality food make Normcore Coffee Roasters in Sydney a must for anyone serious about their coffee.
Unpretentious, normal-looking, casual, high quality has defined the Normcore trend from its beginnings. Now, there is a café in the Sydney CBD that epitomises Normcore culture and has people lined up to be part of it. Normcore Coffee Roasters is unassuming and you could easily miss it if you’re too busy playing with your phone, but you can’t miss the queues of regulars in the know who are happy to wait and watch the magic of the Normcore crew.
One thing I absolutely love about being a ‘curator’ of the coffee and food scene is meeting the passionate people behind the city’s inspired foodie spots. We’ve met some of the coolest, down-to-earth, and committed owners, chefs and baristas. All of them dedicated to their craft, and wanting to genuinely share it with all, and that’s where the Coco & Vine team come in. This day at Normcore is a special treat as we’re spoilt by the three awesome minds behind Normcore, Jay, Chanho and Nate as we get front row seats to their coffee kaleidoscope.
We start safe, with an expertly brewed cappuccino. The coffee is bold and aromatic, with the milk beautifully creamy and drawing out the flavours of the single-origin. We’ve got most of the Vine crew with us today, so Sacha orders up a Kenyan single origin filter coffee. Once again, the rich aromas fill the air and the coffee is bold and smooth, without a hint of bitterness.
As we mull over the menu for our food orders, Chanho treated us to his Speciality Coffee, the kind of speciality coffee that won him 3rd place in the Australian Barista Championship. And, I can completely see why. Served super chilled, in a champagne-like flute glass, this rich, black, filter coffee is infused with orange juice, boiled orange peel and citrus oil. It’s a coffee like no other. The orange provides a sweet and zesty flavour profile that brings the single origin to life.
Chanho and the team bring all their brewing methods front and centre, so any visit to Normcore you can watch the show, as they craft pour overs, filters, and espressos. Inviting us to pull up a couple of stools at the counter, Chanho demonstrates his speciality pour over style with three different origins from Brazil, Ethiopia and Kenya. The pour starts fast, it’s then stirred, and left to rest creating a dome effect that allows the different flavour profiles to come through. Each roast yields beautiful aromas and notes of berries, citrus, and nuts.
Buzzing from all the delicious coffee, we definitely needed food to absorb all that caffeine. Steve orders up a Bacon and Egg Roll w/ Tomato Relish, which arrives with a perfectly fried egg that oozes over crispy bacon and a toasted milk bun. It’s a simple classic that is absolutely divine.
Sacha had already eyed the Granola with Greek Yoghurt and Berries. With Farmer Jo granola, how could you go wrong?! Prominent are the nutty flavours, with granola clusters, and the freshness of strawberries cuts through the richness of the mellow, thick yoghurt and tang of blueberries.
For me, it was definitely the Warrnambool Cheddar and Beechwood Ham Toastie. The thick, doughy bread was toasted lightly to golden brown. Dusted with salt flakes, it added texture to the gooey cheese and robust flavoured ham. A perfect way to start to any day, and round off our experience.
The crew at Normcore are true to having an unpretentious style and a huge focus on quality. They are clearly passionate about coffee and making it accessible to anyone who makes the pilgrimage to this part of the city. Believe us, it’s certainly worth it. Whether you’re working in the city or wandering about town, head to Castlereagh Street and get a little more norm in your core.
Bianca@forfoodssake says
Such a great little find guys! I work in Surry Hills so I never really get to experience the authentic Mon-Fri Sydney city life/coffee culture 🙁
Sonia says
Hey Bianca! These guys really make the place. Seriously serious about their coffee and it shows! Try to sneak out for a long stroll and find your way into the city for a little change. Thanks for the comment again!
TerraPure CBD Ingredients says
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Sonia says
we’re so glad you enjoyed the site! We love writing about all things food and coffee, and it makes it even better when others appreciate it too! Thanks again for your lovely comments 🙂